Isabel Paniagua

PANIAGUA Isabel Paniagua passed away peacefully with her husband and family by her side on Friday, January 9, 2009, in Perris, California at the home of her daughter. She was called by our Lord to be with Him to help care for all of the Angels in Heaven. Isabel was born in Tuleta, Texas, on November 4, 1928, to Jose and Juanita Longoria. Her life on earth was devoted to raising a family in Corpus Christi. She taught her children through example, to love, respect and care for others. She was a loving and giving person who always wanted to make sure that everyone around her was taken care of. Isabel described herself as being shy, but despite her short stature and shyness, you could count on her to always hold her own in keeping her husband of 58 years and her children in line. She had a sense of humor that would often sneak up on people she felt comfortable with, surprising everyone and always making them smile. She loved learning and playing the piano and spending time with her grandchildren. Her grandchildren could always expect a special card for their birthday usually filled with a personal wish and maybe a little surprise. While she wasn't particularly fond of animals, she adopted two little Chihuahuas, Sporty and BeeBee that she loved very much. Although her age and illness affected her body, her heart, her spirit and the love for her family (and her Chihuahuas) remained strong. Isabel was a special gift from God to her family and friends. Anyone who ever met Isabel knew of her kindness and often 'adopted' her as their Grandma or second Mom. Isabel was truly loved and will be truly missed. Aside from raising her family, she worked for the Corpus Christi Independent School District and retired in 1992 after spending 25 years as a cafeteria employee at Roy Miller High School and Robert Driscoll Jr. High School. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, her sister Maria Longoria Cantu, her brother, Ruben Longoria, her stepdaughter, Margarita Lerma and grandson, Michael Sean Lerma. Surviving her passing are her husband Jose Paniagua, daughter Belinda Puente (Pablo), sons, Rudy Paniagua (Lupe), Rosendo Paniagua (Beatrice), Joe Paniagua (Elsa), and son-in-law Mike Lerma; grandchildren Myoshi Lee Ehlert, Joseph Puente, John Puente, Rudy Paniagua Jr., Randy Paniagua, Ross Paniagua Jr., Monica Parker, Jose Paniagua, Elissa Paniagua, Bryan Lerma, Nathan Lerma and ten great-grandchildren. Isabel is also survived by her sisters, Janie Orta, Dolores Barrera (Martin), and brothers George Longoria (Dora), Joe Longoria (Nora) and Willie Longoria. A public visitation will be from 1:00 - 9:00 PM on Monday, January 19, 2009 at Alamo Funeral Home with a rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. Rites of a Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1114 Willow, San Antonio, Texas at 9:30 AM. Interment will follow at 11:00 AM at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, Texas. Arrangements are entrusted to: Alamo Funeral Home 624 N. Alamo San Antonio, Texas 78215 (210) 225-5731